Kings Of Leon headline Glastonbury 2008

The Followill clan closed proceedings on the Pyramid Stage as the first day came to a close.

Speaking to NME.COM – you can watch Kings Of Leon’s NME.COM video interview – the band said it was an opportunity they couldn’t turn down, but admitted they were nervous about the step up to headlining the festival.

“We’re pretty excited and equally nervous, actually we’re probably more nervous than excited but it’s a big opportunity, so let’s see how we handle it,” explained frontman Caleb Followill before taking the stage.

“It good, you always want it to be a challenge,” agreed his drumming brother Nathan. “You never want it to be just another festival, it’s good to have that nervous, nauseous feeling – it brings out the best in you.”

Kicking off with brand new song ‘Crawl’, the band showed right from the off they were not intimidated by the occasion.

Looking at home on the big stage – drummer Nathan Followill blew bubblegum bubbles throughout the set – the band played a set that mixed tracks from all three of their albums and previewed some of their fourth.

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Waiting nearly six songs in before greeting the crowd, frontman Caleb said: “Hello Glastonbury – we’re Kings Of Leon, thanks for being here with us, we’re going to play for as long as we can.”

Including the likes of ‘King Of The Rodeo’ and ‘Fans’, it was ‘Milk’ that triggered the first big sing-along as the fans accompanied Caleb as he performed sections of the song solo.

Playing one of their earliest singles ‘Molly’s Chambers’, the singer then paid tribute to the crowd.

“Right everybody, I don’t normally talk a lot but seeing as it’s a special occasion I thought I better say a few things,” explained Caleb. “In June 2003 our band had the honour of playing its first festival, it so happened to be Glastonbury and we’ve worked our way up to where we are now. Here’s to you guys, thanks for letting us do this.”

With the crowd loudly applauding, they followed it up with fellow ‘Youth And Young Manhood’ track ‘California Waiting’.

‘The Bucket’ and ‘On Call’ triggered more loud sing-alongs, as the band neared the climax of their set.

“We’ve got a few more songs fore you, my voice is a little shot,” explained Caleb, toasting the crowd with a dram of whiskey before ‘Spiral Staircase’. “I guess I got a little too well prepared, but I’m drunk and having fun.”

Leaving the stage after ‘Trani’, the band returned for an encore, kicking off with ‘Knocked Up’.

Kings Of Leon then debuted another new song, ‘Manhattan’, which is expected to feature on their new album.

“The people at the BBC asked us not to play any new songs,” explained Caleb, introducing the track, “but we’re going to have to ruffle some feathers tonight because it’s Glastonbury.”

The broadcaster later explained they had not told the band what to play, but had been asked to avoid screening the new songs live which meant they asked the group to play them in the parts of the set when the band were off air.

Finishing with ‘Slow Night So Long’, the singer said: “This is it, I have to say this truly is one of the greatest moments of my lives and their lives too,” declared Caleb pointing at his brothers and cousin. “Hope to see you soon, God bless you.”

Keep up with all the action from Glastonbury this weekend (June 27-29) as it happens on NME.COM. For news, pictures and blogs keep checking NME.COM’s Glastonbury Festival page. Plus make sure you get next week’s issue of NME on UK newsstands from July 2 for the ultimate Glastonbury review.